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The art of eating : a protected cultural heritage

The art of eating : a protected cultural heritage

Have you heard of the intangible heritage list of the UNESCO ? See here.

Here are a few examples of cultural heritages found on the list :

The gastronomic meal of the French listed in 2010 :

‘The gastronomic meal of the French is a customary social practice for celebrating important moments in the lives of individuals and groups (…). It is a festive meal bringing people together for an occasion to enjoy the art of good eating and drinking. The gastronomic meal emphasizes togetherness, the pleasure of taste, and the balance between human beings and the products of nature.’

Mediterranean diet (on the list since 2010)

‘‘The Mediterranean diet constitutes a set of skills, knowledge, practices and traditions (…). The Mediterranean diet is characterized by a nutritional model (…) consisting mainly of olive oil, cereals, fresh or dried fruit and vegetables, a moderate amount of fish, dairy and meat, and many condiments and spices, all accompanied by wine or infusions, always respecting beliefs of each community. However, the Mediterranean diet (from the Greek diaita, or way of life) encompasses more than just food. It promotes social interaction, since communal meals are the cornerstone of social customs and festive events.’’

Nutritionist Tip : Remember that to be able to eat healthy you have to work on your ‘savoir vivre’ : the ART of eating.

As a nutritionist, I have often met people who have seen their eating habits deteriorate after losing the social aspect of their meal.
In their previous job (or country) for example, they used to have an hour for their lunch meal. It was a time to relax a bit, to meet up with a friend, a colleague or their spouse and take the time to eat together.

The least you can do if you do not have an hour to eat is to create a moment out of your lunch break. Make sure you’re not working at the same time as eating, that you are relaxed, breathing, living the present moment.